The Federal Government has warned of a high risk of riverine flooding across 15 states over the next seven days, urging residents in vulnerable communities to move to safer and higher ground.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) in its latest National Flood Advisory covering September 19 to 25, 2026.
The affected states are Imo, Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Kogi, Taraba, Delta, Bayelsa, Enugu and Abia.
NiHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed said rising river levels could trigger flooding, particularly in communities located on floodplains. He identified Obubra, Itigidi and Epento, all along the Cross River, among monitoring stations requiring close attention.
The agency said a significant number of communities and public facilities are exposed to the risk. In Cross River alone, NiHSA identified 2,471 communities, 703 schools, 344 healthcare facilities, 145 markets, 453 religious buildings and 854 hectares of farmland within vulnerable areas.
In Ebonyi, the agency identified 2,574 communities, 1,064 schools, 422 healthcare facilities, 480 markets, 629 religious buildings and 1,882 hectares of farmland as exposed. Anambra also has more than 1,300 communities listed among the areas at risk.
NiHSA urged state and local governments, emergency management authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to activate early-warning and emergency-response measures.
Residents in flood-prone areas were advised to move people, livestock and valuables to safer locations where necessary. The agency also warned people against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-moving water.
Authorities were further encouraged to prepare temporary shelters and relief supplies, including safe drinking water, water-treatment materials and first-aid equipment. Communities were also advised to clear blocked drainage channels where it is safe to do so.
NiHSA said it would continue monitoring river levels and hydrological conditions and issue further advisories as necessary. The agency stressed that early action could help reduce the potential loss of lives, property and livelihoods.